H4 to F1 Change of status

[snt]

Hi,
My wife is planning to do MS. She is currently staying in US on H4 visa. Her main intention is to get OPT after the course. We are planning to convert H4 to F1 before starting the course. Since she is planning to take MS from a private university, there is no separate in-state/out-state fee.

We are planning to initiate COS while she is in US and not going for stamping. What are the documents to be submitted to USCIS for the change of status. Is the financial proof should be in the form of bank letter or can I sponsor her showing my employment letter, pay stubs etc. We currently don't have enough funds in the account.

Thank you,
snt

[kabkaba]

You will need as proof of current status, her I-94 copy both sides, passport copy, Visa copy (if any), your H1 petition approval notice copy, and last 2 months paystubs.
For future requested status, original I-20, SEVIS fee receipt and proof of available funds.
Add to that copy of marriage certificate and a cover letter.

Generally, schools require you to show available funds before they issue I-20. Generally, immediately available funds are needed for first year of study (savings, checking, fixed deposits etc.). It is up to USCIS's discretion if they can accept other evidence of available funds such your future pay expectation, as such difficult to predict if they will accept it. The school's international advisor may know.